Architecture of Portugal

Portugal has its own peculiarities in everything. This country has distinguished itself even in architecture, creating its own styles. We will tell you about them in this article. However, first let’s go back to the past and find out how it all started.

Megaliths

The first architectural structures appeared in the Neolithic era. That is, during the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture and cattle breeding. For example, many dolmens, mounds and menhirs have been discovered in the Alentejo area.

These are simple structures made of stone blocks, having different purposes. However, nothing is known about the purpose of some of them so far.

The most famous architectural monument of this type is the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro, which is located near the city of Evora. The stone blocks stand both separately and form a circle. The largest cluster of boulders is also located near Évora and is called Cromeleque dos Almendres.

Primitive settlements

The next interesting find left over from the time of the first settlers are stone houses. They were built in a round shape without mortar. That is, they put stones one on top of the other. In this position, they were held under their own weight. And the roof was made of vegetable material.

In addition, residents surrounded the cluster of houses with a stone wall for protection. This and the turrets for viewing the surroundings indicate that there were many military conflicts in those days.

Until now, on the territory of Portugal, you can find unique villages where the houses of the inhabitants are made of stone. For example, the village of Piódão.

Manuelino style

Over time, the development of Portuguese architecture was influenced by the invasions of Roman and German conquerors, and later by the Moors. Each of them rebuilt the cities to suit his taste. For example, theaters, temples, baths and bridges were actively built in the Roman period. In the pre-Roman period, the architecture of Portugal was dominated by features of Byzantine architecture, and with the arrival of the Moors, castles and mosques were built.

In the end, Portugal had its own style – Manuelino. It is named after King Manuel, who ruled at that time. And it was during his reign that most of the buildings that can be attributed to the Manuelino style were built. So, how does this style differ from others?

Firstly, it is a mixture of late Gothic style and Spanish architecture. Secondly, it reflected the times of great geographical discoveries. That is, natural ornaments and spiral columns were created, similar to the ropes of ships. Thirdly, the feature of this style is niches and a lot of decorative elements, details.

Perhaps the most obvious example of the Manuelino style is the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon.

Pombalino

The appearance of this architectural style of Portugal was preceded by a tragedy. The Lisbon earthquake in 1755, tsunami and fires destroyed most of the buildings of Lisbon. Therefore, they required urgent restoration.

Marquês de Pombal, who was entrusted with the supervision of the construction, took this task very seriously. Namely, he tested architectural models of buildings with the help of marching troops. Thus, he imitated an earthquake. Thanks to this, Lisbon was restored taking into account the seismic hazard.

The style was quite simple – notes of classicism, the idea of pragmatism, rococo details. And the name of the style was given in honor of the Marquês de Pombal – pombalino.

“Simple” architecture

Another architectural style captured Portugal during the union with Spain. Details disappeared, flat surfaces and a clear structure were welcomed. That is, it was radically different from Manuelino style.

This was due to limited finances. Besides, this is how Portugal wanted to preserve its ethnic identity. At the same time, triumphal arches appeared in Portugal, azulejo tiles and carved gilded wood began to be actively used.

Neomanuelino

The development of this style began with the construction of the Pena Palace in Sintra. Its name suggests that it is based on the Manuelino style. It added details such as plant elements, arches and sculptures. And also, he concentrates on decorating doors and windows.

Then, there was a project of reconstruction in the Neo-Romanesque style of the Jerónimos Monastery building. However, only the tower and a few outbuildings were added in this style. During the same period, several Neo-manuelino elements appeared on the Belém Tower in Lisbon.

Also, neomanuelino actively spread to the colonies of Portugal. In particular, several buildings of this type have appeared in Brazil.

For example, the building of the Royal Portuguese Library, built by Portuguese immigrants in the center of Rio de Janeiro.

Modern architecture

Portugal is amazing because its streets perfectly combine historical buildings and modern architectural masterpieces. We can say that there is not a single building in the country that does not attract attention.

The city of Porto also has one of the leading architectural Schools in the world. This school has produced and produces talented architects. For example, graduates of the school Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Elísio Machado Souto de Moura won the Pritzker Prize.

Recently, buildings made of metal structures and glass have become popular in Portugal. Architects in Portugal are not afraid to experiment, so bizarre creations with broken lines and asymmetrical shapes are increasingly appearing.

It is impossible not to mention street art, which is widespread and adorns the ends and facades of some dilapidated buildings in the country. We are talking about graffiti, but not simple. The artist Bordallo II complements his drawings with three-dimensional elements from garbage. It is impossible to call such a work of art unprofessional, it has an effect of 3D.

Conclusion

Portugal attracts tourists by the fact that you do not need to spend a lot of time to get to the oldest castle or monastery. It is enough just to go outside, as history and art surround you from all sides like the scenery from a movie.

Therefore, it is nice to combine immersion in the special atmosphere of Portugal and at the same time learn Portuguese at our School, for example. How do you like the idea?